Newton’s third law states, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Following the rule, if a 650-horsepower car going at 150 mph bumps into another, the impact could send them both flying. The world of motorsports has borne witness to many such fateful accidents. And it is one of the primary responsibilities of spotters to help drivers avoid such occurrences.

It would not be a stretch to say that these spotters are the unsung heroes of NASCAR as they act as the eyes for the drivers during the race.

Freddie Kraft highlights the gravity of the situation in Wilkesboro

While the community of NASCAR is familiar with the names Freddie Kraft and TJ Majors as the spotters of Bubba Wallace and Brad Keselowski, respectively, not everyone knows how highly they are valued by the drivers. Standing on separate grandstands with their eagle-eye views, the spotters guide their drivers and make strategic deals with other spotters. They continuously update the drivers with the on-track positions and wrecks.

But it seems these irreplaceable members have some grievances with the grandstands at the North-Wilkesboro Speedway. After the completion of the Goodyear 400, NASCAR is headed to one of the most iconic tracks in its history. With a renovated look, the speedway is surely garnering some attention. But Freddie Kraft would like to differ. 

Although the venue is revamped, the spotters are drawing their attention to the grandstand. It is a multi-level scaffolding platform, isolated from the main crowd, but the visibility of the track is of great concern.  The newly built spotters’ stand is located at the lowest point of the track, owing to its natural topography. Moreover, it is lower than the grandstands that surround the corner in Turns 1 and 2. 

23XI Racing‘s spotter Freddie Kraft, in an interview with Racing America, disclosed, “There was some concern as far as about a month ago when we talked about the placement of it.” 

He also added, “Last week they had an open house here and some of the spotters came to take pictures and I noticed from the pictures that it would be too low once the infield filled in. We reached out to NASCAR at that point, and they’ve been working with the racetrack since that point to find a different location—and it’s not easy.”

A fellow spotter was on the same page with Kraft, exclaiming, “It’s pretty obvious to see the difference in heights. There’s a path of about three to four seconds that you can’t see. Going into Turn 3 on the last lap I’d like to at least be able to say, ‘Hey, you’re about to get run over,’ but I can’t even see that.”

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Fellow spotters and fans share their concerns regarding the position of the grandstand

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Former NASCAR driver Tim Fedewa backed Kraft by adding, “There are little things. When someone spins out the front, you’re not going to be able to call them through that or help them through it. I hate it’s an issue. I feel like the spotters are more worried about it than the drivers but I just know if come Sunday you can’t see 100 percent you’re not going to do your job effectively. I don’t want something that could have been avoided to be the thing that costs you one million bucks.”

Moreover, fans also shared their concerns on Twitter. Anticipating the conversation during the race, fans wrote comments like, “Door…door…you’re gone…you’re gone…bumper”;

“Ok driver..for the next 4 seconds or so u gonna be near NOT clear..u on ya own jack…maintain line”; and

“Clear. Good luck. Clear!”

Others added comments like, “Y’all Don’t Have X-Ray Vision” and “That’s not good, seems like Turn 3-4 might be a trouble spot.”

While there were drivers like Chase Briscoe who thought it was not of a major concern. However, it is not only the vantage point or getting the upper hand in the race but also the safety issues that Freddie Kraft and other spotters seem to concern about.

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